Automatic traction-switch.



I J. L. YODER. -AUTOMATIC TRACTION SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED APR. 6, 1910.

974,61 9. I Patented Nov.1,191 0.

- 54w Jitn L fade)" mm/m3 THE NORRIS FETERS'CO-, WASHINGTON. o c

JOHN L. YODER, OF BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO.

AUTOMATIC TRACTION-$WITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 1, 1910.

Application filed April 6, 1910. Serial No. 553,733.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN L. YODER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bellefontaine, in the county of Logan and State of Ohio, have invented new and useful Improvements in Automatic Traction-Switches, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in automatic car switches, and has for its object to provide a switch which may be operated in advance of the car, electrically.

With the above, and other objects in view, which will appear as the description progresses, the invention resides in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the. accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a portion of a car, parts being shown in section and illustrating the switch operating mechanism. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the system. Fig. 3 is a diagram of a slightly modified form of the device.

In the accompanying drawings the numeral l designates the car. This car is pro vided with the usual motor 2 which is energized from a trolley, which in this instance, it has been deemed unnecessary to illustrate, the same being of the well known construction. 1 I

The motor 2 is provided with the usual brushes and is further provided with a wire 3 provided with a contact member 4.

The numeral 5 designates a gravity switch, which is normally in engagement with the contact 4 and which is provided with the wire 6 connected directly with the truck 6 of the car.

Mounted upon the forward end of the platform of the carl and within easy reach of the operator of the said car, is a depending rod 8. This rod 8 has its upper extremity connected with a pivoted handle 9 and the rod is normally forced upward through the medium of a spring 10 contacting an offset 11 upon the said rod, the spring and offset being provided with a suitable casing 12. The lower extremity 13 of the rod 8 is insulated from the upper extremity thereof as at 14, and the said extension 13 is provided with a contact roller 14. The extension 13 is constructed of some suitable conductive material and is provided with a pair of offset arms 15 and 16. The arm 16 is insulated from the rod 13 as at 17 and the said offset is adapted to contact with the switch 5 and to normally force the same into engagement with the contact member 4. By reference to the several figures of the drawing it will be noted that the contact member 4 is provided with a projecting lip 18, and this lip lies within the path of both of the ts 15 and 1U.

The numeral 19 designates a contact plate which is positioned upon and insulated from the central portion of the road bed. This plate 19 is connected through the medium of a wire 20 with a solenoid 21 and the core 22 of the said solenoid is connected with the switch point 23. The solenoid is further provided with a wire 25 which connects with the main rail 7.

In operation, it will be noted that when the handle 9 is forced downwardly the con tact wheel 14 will be brought into engagement with the contact plate 19 and the offset 15 will be brought into engagement with the offset 18 of the contact 4, the switch 5 falling by gravity away from engagement with the said contact 4. This movement allows the current to flow from the motor 2 through the extension 13 and the wheel 14 to the contact plate 23 through the wire 20 energizing the solenoid 21 so as to retract its core 22 and to open the switch point 23, it being understood that the circuit is completed through the medium of the wire 25 and the rail 7 in the usual manner.

By reference to Fig. 2 of the drawings it will be seen that the contact plate 19 extends a suitable distance between the switch rails 27, the plates being electrically connected as at 28, and it will be noted that by this arrangement all the wheels of the car are allowed to round the curve before the solenoid becomes deenergized.

In Fig. 3 I have illustrated a slightly modified form of the device. The general structure of the car mechanism is similar to that heretofore described, but the track mechanism is provided with a pair of solenoids 29 and 30 as well as a pair of contact plates 31 and 32. By this arrangement it will be noted that when the contact roller 14 is brought into engagement with the contact plate 32 the solenoid or magnet 29 will, through the medium of its'core draw the switch point 33 against the main rails 34 to open the switch, while, when the roller 14 contacts with the plate 31 the solenoid 30 will be energized so as to draw the switch point in an opposite direction to leave the main track open.

From the above description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be noted that I have provided an extremely simple and thoroughly ell'ective device for the purpose intended, and while I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of the improvement, as it now appears to me, minor details of construction, within the scope of the following claim may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus fully described the invention, what I claim as new is In an automatic car switch of the character described, a track switch, a solenoid having its core connected with the switch, a contact plate-connected with the solenoid, a connection between the solenoid and the main track, a car having its motor connected with an offset contact, a pivoted switch member for said contact, a connection between the switch and the car, a spring pressed rod provided with a contact roller, said rod having its lower portion insulated from its upper portion and the said lower portion being provided with a pair of projections, and the lower oi said projections being insulated from the rod and normally forcing the switch against the contact point, and the opposite offsetadapted to engage the contact when the rod is depressed and the switch swung; away from and supported by the insulated offset of the rod.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two wi-t-nesses. I v

' JOHN L. YODER.

lVitnesses 7 VARREN BERKEY, Enw. A. MULLIGAN. 

